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Palate morphogenesis. VI. Identification of stellate cells in culture
Abstract:
Mesenchymal cells from the palate of mouse embryos at day 14.5 of gestation produce a minor population of stellate cells in culture. These cells are often bipolar and spindle-shaped with long cytoplasmic processes similar to neural-crest cells. Culturing of explants of palatal mesenchyme enriched for this type of cell. Stellate cells were the first to migrate from explants, followed by fibroblast-like cells and then by squamous cells. The majority of the cells in the explant were fibroblast-like. Squamous cells were present mostly in the anterior and mid-palate and least frequently in those from the posterior palate. They may represent tooth-germ epithelium. When pieces of palate were dissected out and cultured for enrichment of non-muscle contractile systems, most of the migrating cells were stellate. These may represent the highly migratory cells that are, in part, responsible for elevation of the palate shelf. Serotonin was measured in cultured mesenchymal cells from the palate. Its occurrence is consistent with regulation of movement of palate cells.
Insights
Mouse embryo palate cultures reveal rare stellate cells. These cells migrate first, suggesting a role in palate shelf elevation and development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Palatal mesenchymal cells contribute to craniofacial development.
- Understanding cell populations within the palate is crucial for identifying mechanisms of palate formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the different cell types present in cultured mouse palatal mesenchyme.
- To investigate the migratory behavior of these cells and their potential roles in palate development.
Main Methods:
- Culture of palatal explants from day 14.5 mouse embryos.
- Cell migration assays to observe differential cell movement.
- Microscopic observation to identify cell morphology (stellate, fibroblast-like, squamous).
- Measurement of serotonin in cultured mesenchymal cells.
Main Results:
- A minor population of stellate cells, resembling neural-crest cells, was identified in palatal mesenchymal cultures.
- Stellate cells were the first to migrate from explants, followed by fibroblast-like and squamous cells.
- Squamous cells were more prevalent in anterior and mid-palate regions, potentially originating from tooth-germ epithelium.
- Enrichment for non-muscle contractile systems favored stellate cell migration.
- Serotonin was detected in cultured mesenchymal cells.
Conclusions:
- Stellate cells are a distinct, highly migratory cell population within the palatal mesenchyme.
- These stellate cells may play a significant role in the elevation of the palate shelf during embryonic development.
- The presence of serotonin suggests its potential involvement in regulating palatal cell movement.